It’s been hard to think about anything else other than the heat in London recently, with another heatwave in full swing and the recent rare red weather warning set by the Met Office. Some schools in London even closed due to the high temperatures last month.
And it seems these soaring temperatures are something we’ll need to get used to, as experts warn the hot weather will intensify due to climate change in the coming years. It has also sparked debate about whether the UK should introduce a maximum temperature working limit.
Calls for a maximum temperature rule
In May, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) released a report outlining recommendations to ensure the UK is as prepared as possible for the changing climate. One of those suggestions is to set a maximum working temperature.
Currently, there is no upper temperature limit in the UK, but countries like Spain do have a limit of 27 °C for sedentary work and 25°C for light physical work. The CCC report states that “regulations such as a maximum working temperature can protect workers from climate impacts,” as well as improving property resilience.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) do stipulate that temperatures must be kept at a comfortable level, and they also recommend that employers should let employees work flexibly if possible.
Other recommendations to adapt to higher temperatures
In their latest report, the CCC also advised the government to invest in cooling for key public services such as hospitals, schools, prisons and care homes. They predict that most households will invest in cooling themselves, but encourage incentive schemes that protect the most vulnerable in society, who may not be able to afford to fit their own cooling systems.
They also warn that flood protection and a more secure water supply should be prioritised in the coming years.
At the moment, the committee’s findings are only suggestions and are now up to the government to review. In the meantime, here are some ways to cope with the scorching temperatures.
